Bowlers help SNGPL seize advantage

Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited were in a dominant position against Lahore Shalimarat the Lahore City Cricket Association Ground. Legspinner Yasir Shah and seamer Imran Ali shared seven wickets to bowl out Lahore Shalimar for 170 in just 48 overs. Captain Fahad-ul-Haq fought with 61 but was deprived of support from the other end. The last four wickets put together 87 runs but SNGPL replied strongly. The openers Azeem Ghumman and Naeemuddin added 83 and even though the visitors lost two quick wickets, they were still sitting pretty at 88 for 2 at stumps.

A century from Rizwan Ahmed boosted Hyderabadat the Niaz Stadium but Peshawar struck at the death to ensure the day ended with honours even. Hyderabad started poorly, and were in a bit of trouble at 62 for 3 but Rizwan and Lal Kumar steered them into a position of control with a 133-run fourth-wicket stand. Kumar made 44, and the hosts were resting easy at 195 for 3. But Sajjad Ahmed pegged them back with a double-strike; his left-arm spin accounted for both Rizwan and Kumar and Hyderabad had to settle for 217 for 5 at stumps.

Honours were even at the Khan Research Laboratories Ground in Rawalpindi as well. The hosts Khan Research Laboratories ended the day on 261 for 7 against Quetta, who fought back after their opponents had been in control. Seamer Arun Lal grabbed five wickets, including the openers. However, a 130-run stand between half-centurions Bazid Khan and Mohammad Idrees took KRL to 174 for 3. The initiative was lost as Lal struck again and KRL proceeded to lose five wickets for 82. Their wicketkeeper-captain Zulfiqar Jan remained unbeaten on 29 at stumps.

On a slow day at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Lahore Ravi crawled to 193 for 4 in 83 overs against Karachi Whites. The hosts were in a tricky situation at 72 for 3 at one stage but Mohammad Saad and captain Usman Salahuddin put together 71 to rescue their team. Saad fell for 51 while Salahuddin was unbeaten on 75.

The first day at the Multan Cricket Stadium was an even contest between Multan and United Bank Limited. UBL recovered from 162 for 6 to reach 307 for 9 at stumps thanks to a lower-order resistance. Misbah Khan made 48 and No.10 batsman Kashif Bhatti smacked 53 off 37 balls. Bhatti was unbeaten at stumps and took his team past 300; they were 272 for 9. Fast bowler Mohammad Mudassar took three wickets.